Latex paint-gun injuries of the hand: are the outcomes better?

Abstract

This study aims to present the functional outcome in patients who sustained paint-gun injuries to the hand with latex paint and review the current trends, recommendations, and pitfalls of surgical treatment in contemporary literature. Five male patients with an average age of 35 years were treated between 2000 and 2003 after sustaining a paint-gun injury with latex paint. All wounds were located volarly on the digits of the nondominant hand. Preoperative radiographs were obtained in every patient. All patients underwent debridement of the affected digit. Despite delayed presentation, more than 24 h post injury, our patients recovered substantial function at an average follow-up of 12 months. Every patient returned to his previous occupation and there were no amputations. Paint-gun injuries with latex paint appear to be associated with an outcome that is superior to the poor outcome traditionally associated with oil-based paints.